Publisher's Synopsis
This book attempts to move away from the traditional approach to regional geography, by focusing on contemporary issues and showing how geography can contribute to an explanation of the major changes and problems affecting Western European countries today.;It attempts to build on a systematic approach to the subject, but concentrates on areas of current debate such as the growth of unemployment and the nuclear debate. In dealing with these issues the geographical impact of the problems is examined and the role of geography in shaping change is analyzed.;Included in the text are self-assessment exercises which require the practical application of geographical concepts and techniques to areas of current debate - maps, figures, diagrams and newspapers extracts.